During the holiday season, checking in on our loved ones at nursing homes can make a world of difference. Making meaningful connections with our family and friends, even when they are not in close proximity to us, is so important.
Many people living in nursing homes have isolated themselves due to safety concerns, leaving them feeling very lonely during this special time of year. Taking care to check-in on them will show that we still care deeply and provide much needed comfort and reassurance. This act of kindness could bring a little extra cheer and joy into their lives this holiday season – something that we all need more than ever this year!
It also helps keep them safe from potential abuse or neglect. Nursing home abuse can be difficult to spot, and it’s essential for loved ones and family members to stay in contact with elderly individuals so signs of abuse can be identified early. Staying in touch with nursing homes where a beloved relative resides is a powerful way to prevent any kind of mistreatment.
Taking the time to frequently check-in helps keep an eye out for any changes that might indicate something wrong, like changes in attitudes or sudden bruising on the elder’s skin. Keeping a watchful eye over those you care about can help ensure they are treated with respect and dignity while living in a nursing home.
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO VISIT YOUR LOVED ONE IN A NURSING HOME
Visiting loved ones in nursing homes during the holidays is an especially special opportunity to spend quality time with them and remind them how much they are loved and appreciated. Seeing a familiar face can help bring comfort and joy to seniors in nursing homes, many of whom may not have received visits from family or friends all year long.
Visiting someone in a nursing home around the holidays should not only be encouraged but embraced as an opportunity to look for some of the most dangerous situations in nursing homes. Preventing nursing home abuse and neglect often means regular check-ins when it’s needed the most.
SIGNS TO LOOK FOR WHEN VISITING AN ELDERLY LOVED ONE
Visiting an elderly loved one should always be an enjoyable experience, yet unfortunately there are cases where the senior citizen in your life might be susceptible to suffering from abuse. It is up to us as family and friends to recognize signs of mistreatment and provide assistance wherever we can.
These signs can range from physical indications such as bruises or changes in weight, mental abuse through anxiety or fear of particular people or places, financial exploitation due to sudden changes in bank statements or payments being made to unfamiliar persons, or caring for them in a way that puts their safety at risk.
If you ever suspect that your loved one is being neglected or taken advantage of, speak with them in a non-threatening manner and encourage them to alert whoever they feel can help. Above all, your elderly relative needs continuing safety, respect and dignity.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU RECOGNIZE SIGNS OF NURSING HOME ABUSE OR NEGLECT
If you believe that a loved one is being subjected to nursing home abuse or neglect, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. Here are a few tips on what to do in such a situation:
- First, document the signs of abuse or neglect, including photos with dates and times if possible.
- Second, reach out to the facility’s administrator by sending an email or letter as well as following up with a phone call.
- Third, if necessary, speak to other residents and family members who may have additional information regarding the situation.
- Finally, contact an attorney who practices in matters of elder abuse or nursing home negligence.
Remember that your loved one deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. And if something isn’t right, don’t be afraid to take appropriate measures. Our Arizona nursing home abuse lawyers at Miller Kory Rowe LLP are here to help you!